FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Category: Family Vacations

  • Traveling to Puerto Rico on the Cheap

    Lacking in vitamin D and in need of a break from the mounds of Midwestern snow we received last winter, my husband and I decided we needed a budget-friendly, sun-filled getaway.

    As we scoured discount travel sites on the Web, we were pleasantly surprised to find deals to several enviable locations. In the end, we decided to go to Puerto Rico for several reasons, not least of which were price and ease. Travel Overview Puerto Rico is officially part of the United States, so you don’t need a passport to enter the country if you are a U.S. citizen (but of course be sure to bring your passport or state issued ID to get through security or rent a car once you get there). Since Puerto Rico uses the U.S. dollar, there is also no need to change currency or do on the spot price conversions while touring, shopping or grabbing a bite to eat. Nearly all Puerto Ricans speak English, so you don’t have to rely on your rusty high school Spanish to get you through (unless you want to, of course). Getting There [caption id="attachment_4872" align="alignright" width="225" caption="Puerto Rico offers rich culture, tantalizing cuisine and beautiful beaches at reasonable prices."]Barranquitas photo[/caption] Most flights going to Puerto Rico from the continental U.S. leave from either Miami or New York. Getting to these major cities is relatively easy. The in-flight time from New York to San Juan is three and a half hours and Miami to San Juan is only 2 and a half. Because many carriers offer flights to San Juan, prices are typically quite low (in comparison to other warm destinations). We booked our tickets for $350 each in 2009. San Juan’s International airport is located within the San Juan metro area. If you’re planning to stay in San Juan, a cab ride to your hotel won’t be very expensive (and all of the major hotels have free shuttles). However, if you plan on staying further out (like in the surf haven of Luquillo), you may want to consider renting a car. There are buses that traverse the island, but they don’t run as frequently as some travelers would like. Accommodations If you stay out of the touristy areas of San Juan (San Juan, the Condado Strip), accommodations are quite reasonable. We stayed in a boutique hotel in the Condado (a few blocks off of the glitzy casinos that line the beachfront). For $100 per night, we enjoyed a beautiful, clean room, rooftop hot tub and daily continental breakfast. Of course, there are less expensive options the further away you get from the water. There is also a reputable hostel in San Juan (Hosteria Del Mar Hotel San Juan). Eating There are plenty of opportunities to find great “street food” at food carts in San Juan or roadside stalls once you get out of the city proper. Traditional Puerto Rican cuisine is hearty and inexpensive. One of the best places to go in San Juan is Café del Angel (Ashford Avenue 1106, Condado). The spacious but simple two-room restaurant/bar is a favorite with locals. The servers are used to dealing with “out of towners” and are more than happy to describe in detail any dish on the comprehensive bilingual menu. A trip to San Juan would not be complete without a stop at El Hamburger (402 Munoz Rivera Avenue, near the La Ocho beach and surf break), a favorite among surfers and locals. El Hamburger serves up affordable, juicy burgers with all the fixin’s. In addition to classic cheeseburgers and bacon cheeseburgers, El Hamburger also offers an impressive Roquefort burger and some of the best fries I’ve ever had. Wash it all down with a Medalla or a Corona with lime. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the  bill (we never paid more than $20 for two people).

  • How to Avoid Spending Money on Airline “Extras”

    If you’re a regular traveler, it will come as no shock whatsoever that what used come standard for the price of airfare (from in-flight meals to checked bags), is now considered “extra.”

    Even though paying $30 (or more) for a checked bag may not seem like a big deal when you’re just trying to get to your destination, these costs can add up over time (especially if you’re traveling with a family). Here are some tips for reducing your airline “extras” fees without sacrificing comfort and convenience. The “Great Luggage Debacle” To check or not to check? That is the question for many airline passengers these days.  If the airline assesses a fee for checked baggage, my general advice is don’t do it. However, there are some ways to get around this fee. Delta card holders receive one free checked bag for each person on the reservation. For example, last year my mother booked a flight for herself, my sister and me. Even though my sister and I were not Delta card members, we were allowed to check our bags for free as well. If you do decide to check a bag, make sure it is under the maximum weight limit (typically 44 pounds) so that you are not assessed extra fees. Of course, the easiest way to get around the luggage fees is to pack everything you need in a carry-on. You are allowed to bring both a carry-on and a personal item (purse, laptop, etc.) on most major carriers. The standard carry-on maximum size is 45", in the form of a 22" x 14" x 9" bag.  Some airlines allow up to as much as 55" (this is rare). For weight and size restrinctions, always check with your specific carrier before you begin packing. Afraid you can’t fit all you need in a carry-on? Follow these simple guidelines for packing light (and “security friendly”) and you’ll be good to go. 1.     Plan out what you will wear each day to avoid overpacking on clothes. Remember that you can rewear most things. Also, check to see if there will be laundry facilities where you are staying (this way, you can pack half as much and do laundry half-way through the trip). Be realistic about shoes. One comfy pair and one nice pair is typically all you’ll need. 2.     Make sure to put all liquid in 3 oz. (or less) containers. This will both allow you to get through security with no issues and will force you to pack lighter. 3.     Remember that sharp objects may cause problems when you go through security. Keep in mind that if you buy bulky souvenirs on your trip, it’s a good idea to have them shipped back home (which often ends up being cheaper and safer than bringing them to the airport). Bon Appétit! Let’s face it, airline food is not exactly synonymous with fine dining, so why are paying for food you won’t even enjoy that much? Instead for forking out your vacation money on in-flight meals, plan ahead. Most major airports have a variety of dining and food-to-go options. Either eat a good meal before you get on the plane, or grab a sandwich and beverage (after you go through security, of course) to enjoy mid-flight. And don’t forget about the snacks. Young travelers in particular stay happier with healthy snacks like dried fruit and trail mix to munch on during the flight. Follow these simple words of advice and you could end up saving hundreds of dollars by not purchasing airline "extras" throughout the 2011 traveling year.

  • Sleep for Cheap: The Key to Finding Inexpensive Lodging Options

    One of the major expenses while traveling is typically lodging. Even “reasonably” priced hotels can cost upwards of $200 per night. Luckily, finding inexpensive lodging is not as difficult as one might think – you just have to know where to look. Here are some suggestions to consider for your next trip.

    Housing Swap If you are traveling with your family or a group, a housing swap can be both economical and very convenient. The basic idea is that you trade houses with someone in another location. Typically, the involved parties draw up a contract that covers use of particular items (cars, appliances, etc.), cleaning fees and damage policies. As traveling families become more budget conscious, this option has become much more popular. There are several websites you can use to facilitate the swap. For starters, check out: http://www.homeexchange.com/ (specializes in international house swaps) http://www.homeforswap.com/ (specializes in both U.S. and international house swaps) http://www.digsville.com/ (has lots of great and affordable listings for U.S. and abroad) CouchSurfing [caption id="attachment_4802" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Laguna Beach Vacation Rental Condos"][/caption] The term was coined by the non-profit group by the same name that connects frugal travelers in over 230 countries. CouchSurfing (www.couchsurfing.org) members host one another (for free) in their homes. According to CouchSurfers I know, these stays provide the opportunity for rich cultural exchanges and they have made connections with individuals living all over the world (who have offered to put them up whenever they’d like).  Think if it kind of like a study abroad “homestay” for adults. Though most CouchSurfers are single people or couples, there are opportunities for families to CouchSurf together as well. Hostels During my backpacking through Europe years, I got to know the Euro hostel scene quite well. Hostels are typically very casual hotels where you can rent a bed in a shared room (some also offer private rooms) and use the shared shower and bathroom facilities. Hostel qualities range from hotel-like to downright shabby and prices can vary from the equivalent of $10USD per night to $80USD per night. Some offer a continental breakfast (included in the price). One of the fun things about staying in a hostel is the variety of people you’ll meet—they are inherently more social places than most hotels. There are many hostels that do not allow children, so make sure you check first if you are traveling with youngsters. Finding out about hostels is much more convenient now than it was when I was “hosteling it” ten years ago. There are a variety of websites that provide international hostel listings and ratings. Check these ones out to start with: http://www.hostels.com/ http://www.hostelworld.com/ http://www.hostelbookers.com/ Vacation Rentals Though typically more expensive than the options listed above, vacation rentals often offer more bang for the buck, especially if you’re traveling with a family or group. With the international real estate market on the fritz, more and more home and condo owners are renting out their properties to make ends meet. This typically translates to great properties for reasonable prices. If you’re traveling with a group of friends, consider renting a house and splitting the price. The savings you’ll see will be amazing. There are many sites online that will help you find a vacation rental in the area you’ll be traveling in a price range that that works into your travel budget. Start by visiting theses ones: http://www.vacationrentals.com/ http://www.homeaway.com/ http://www.vrbo.com/

  • Money-Saving Tips for Traveling with Kids

    Family vacations are fun, but they can also be quite expensive. Whether it’s a camping trip or a week-long Disney cruise, one thing is constant: you typically end up spending more than you expected. Here are some tips for making your family trip memorable without breaking the bank.

    • Develop a reasonable budget and stick to it. Reasonable is the word here. Developing your budget will take a bit of research to find out how much you can realistically survive on (and still have fun) while traveling with kids. For example, if you’re hoping to eat cheaply in Paris, research the median price for lunch in a casual restaurant (and don't forget about less expensive options like grabbing a baguette and cheese for lunch). This will give you a starting point for figuring out your daily food budget. If you’re going on an all-inclusive vacation (like a cruise), plan a budget for the things you can control (like souvenirs, extras, tours, etc.). Knowing how much these things will cost (or at least approximately) will ease your mind and help you plan better and stay within your budget. Depending on the ages of your children, you may want to include them in your budget planning as well. Web-savvy kids (there aren’t many who aren’t anymore) can help you by researching options for eating and things to do. This process can be very fun, and teaches your kids about the importance of budgeting and trip planning.
    • Be smart about purchasing souvenirs. Although it may be tempting to buy out the souvenir shop for your kids, resist. Help them cultivate the art of sophisticated and meaningful souvenirs early on. Photos, journals (even young kids can do this) and small cultural mementos will mean much more to them in the long run than expensive toys and souvenirs. You may want to set a souvenir budget for each child. This can make it easier to say the all important word “no.”
    • If possible, rent a place with a kitchen. Let’s face it, eating out can be expensive (and tiresome, especially if you’re traveling with picky eaters). Renting a place to stay with a kitchen gives you the option of cooking your own meals (and saving money). Get your kids in on the action. You can shop groceries together at the local market (this shopping experience can be new and exciting, especially if you go to an open-air market) and prepare food together. Even if your kids don’t usually cook at home, encourage them to do so during your trip. After all, trips are about experiencing new things.
    • Consider participating in a “home exchange.” Housing swaps (when you trade your house with someone who lives in another place) are a great way to save money on accommodations. It’s even better if the family you’re swapping with has kids around the same age as yours. Ask them for ideas for frugal kid-friendly activities nearby. In some programs, you can even swap cars. If your “swap partners” have a vehicle that accommodates your entire family, then you can avoid the costs of renting a large vehicle to haul everyone around in.
    • Choose your “experiences” wisely. Depending on your kids’ ages and energy levels, packing your days full with museum visits, tours and cultural performances might qualify as going overboard. While you may remember your afternoon at the Louvre as an enlightening cultural experience, your kids may not remember the experience quite as fondly. Remember that while the purpose of a vacation is to discover new things, it’s also to spend time together as a family. Having a picnic, hanging out by the pool, having an ice cream cone or simply taking a walk together are all inexpensive ways to spend quality time while on vacation.